Announcing TechCrunch50 2009

It’s that time of the year again. We are pleased to announce the opening of business for the third annual TechCrunch50 event, to be held once again on September 14-15, 2009 in San Francisco, California. Last year we hosted 250 start-ups pitching to nearly 2,000 attendees, including 200 VCs, corporate buyers and angels and more than 150 members of the press. All the details are at TechCrunch50.com.

Attendees will enjoy an action-packed agenda, including pitches, panels, working breakfasts, lunch sessions, and after-parties at the beautiful San Francisco Design Center Concourse, with 125,000 square feet of networking space. As in previous years, launching startups will pay nothing to attend or present. One company will win $50,000 from the TechCrunch50 organizers. This year, we’ll have an Audience Choice Award and other recognitions too.

We’ll be providing a lot more information over the coming weeks and months, but here’s what you need to know now:

We’re putting a limited number of very early bird tickets on sale now for $995. Tickets will eventually be priced at $2,995, so buy them now if you know you are attending and get a great deal. We also have special pricing for students.

If you want to be one of the fifty presenting startups, you can apply starting now. We review applications on a rolling basis and are ready to extend offers for participation immediately. Please submit your company whenever you are ready for consideration. The final deadline is June 30.

Finalist companies will remain stealth until the conference, launch to the public on stage and receive feedback from our panel of industry experts. Our 2007 and 2008 advisors are an important part of our success. We’ll be announcing this year’s panel of experts in the coming months.